Corfu Coast Full-Day Cruise with Lunch and Swim Stops

Corfu old port and the Old Town from the sea

The cruise begins at the old port of Corfu Town, and the first view is among the best of the day. The Old Fortress, built by the Venetians on its rocky islet, rises beside pastel townhouses, church bell towers and the arcades of the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are planning a Corfu boat trip from Corfu Town, leaving from here saves you the transfer to a marina.

Please arrive 20 minutes before the 10:00 departure. The old port is a short walk from the Spianada square and the Old Town streets, so it is easy to reach from most hotels in town by taxi or on foot.

Nissaki and the cliffs of the northeast coast

After about 80 minutes of sailing north, the first secret stop is near Nissaki, where steep green cliffs fall into water that is clear enough to see the seabed. This is one of the prettiest parts of the island, and it is why a Corfu coast cruise is more rewarding than a beach day on the busier sands.

You swim or snorkel for about half an hour. Bring your own mask if you want to look for fish along the rocks, and wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water as soon as the boat anchors.

Kouloura village and the coastal landmarks

Continuing north, the boat passes Kouloura, a small fishing hamlet with stone houses, a tiny sheltered harbour and cypress trees on the hillside. Nearby, grand private villas and historic towers on the shore show why this stretch was favoured by visitors for generations, and the water below is a deep, calm green.

You enjoy these sights from the deck without leaving the boat, which makes this part of the day relaxed and ideal for photographs. It is a calm contrast to the lively swim stops that come before and after. Photographers should keep a camera ready on the left side of the deck, where the hillside and the village roofs line up against the sea. Ask the crew if you are unsure where the best vantage point is.

Erimitis bay, swimming and lunch

The longest stop of the day is in the bay beneath the Erimitis forest, a protected area of wetlands and wild orchids. The boat anchors for around two hours, long enough for a proper swim, some snorkelling, a stroll along the shoreline and lunch on board.

Lunch includes bruschetta, a gyros bowl with Greek salad and seasonal fruit, with juice and water. Because lunch is served on the boat, there is no need to plan where to eat or to carry food. This is the part of the day that makes the full-day option feel unhurried. If you are wondering whether a full-day cruise is worth it compared with a shorter boat trip, this long anchorage is the answer.

Peristeres lighthouse and the return sail

On the way back the cruise passes the Peristeres lighthouse, one of the oldest on the island, dating from the nineteenth century. Its white tower and the surrounding cliffs are a classic image of Corfu's maritime history.

After a second short swim stop of around thirty minutes, the boat sails back to the old port. Timings can shift with wind and sea conditions, and in unsafe weather you are offered another date or a refund. The sail back is a quiet time to rest, dry off in the sun and look back along the coast you have covered, which is a pleasant end to a day that has no driving and no schedule to keep.